Expert: Delores Beck - 2/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi I have a five month old cocker spaniel called hollie.We have been giving her a complete care dry food from pet smart is this ok for her as we hear lots of different advice saying she should have canned food. Also what average age do they come into heat and what are the signs.
Thanks

ANSWER: They come into heat at "about" six months so now is the time to discuss spaying with your vet.

No, that food isn't good.  And yes, she should have mostly canned food.  The only good food PetSmart carries is AvoDerm.

Kibble is very, very high in carbohydrates just due to how it's made (even the good stuff) and cockers don't do well on a high carb food.

I do recommend Innova EVO.  Go to Naturapet.com and click on "Where to buy" to find a store near you.  Any store that carries Innova will carry other premium brands too.

Write anytime with any other questions and best of luck with Hollie :)
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi is it okay to get avo derm for hollie from pet smart. What type of food is this? Are no dry food s good for a cocker spaniel and if so why is this.

Answer
Yes, AvoDerm is an excellent food.  Don't stick with just one formula - use their different proteins.

As I explained - kibble is very high in carbohydrates and cockers don't do well on that.  So keep the kibble to a minimum.

That's why I recommend Innova EVO kibble - it has no grains.
Delores